The U.S.-Iran War Explained
The U.S.–Iran War:
How Did We Get Here?
Operation Epic Fury is 10 days old. Oil is at $115 a barrel. Khamenei is dead. Here's the full story of how the United States went to war with Iran — and what nobody is telling you about what comes next.
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched nearly 900 coordinated strikes against Iran in 12 hours. The opening salvo killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Oil prices surged past $115 a barrel. The Strait of Hormuz — through which 20% of the world's oil supply flows — was closed. And a war that many saw coming for years had finally arrived. Here is the full picture.
The Numbers Right Now
How We Got Here: The Timeline
Trump pulls the U.S. out of the Iran nuclear deal. Maximum pressure sanctions reimposed. Diplomacy collapses. Iran restarts uranium enrichment.
U.S. and Israel strike Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran's nuclear program set back by an estimated two years. Iran retaliates. Both sides stand down — temporarily.
Massive anti-government protests erupt across Iran — the largest since the 1979 revolution. Iranian security forces kill thousands of demonstrators. Death toll estimates range from 7,000 to 43,000. Internet blacked out.
U.S. and Iran hold indirect nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman. Described as a "good start." Both sides agree to continue. Trump says he's "not thrilled" with the progress.
Trump declares that regime change in Iran would be "the best thing that could happen." The U.S. military is already preparing for sustained operations.
Trump accuses Iran of restarting its nuclear weapons program. Calls Iran "the world's number one sponsor of terror." Warns of missiles capable of reaching the U.S.
U.S. and Israeli forces launch ~900 strikes in 12 hours. Khamenei killed. Nuclear and missile infrastructure targeted. A girls' school is struck near a naval base in Minab — 160+ civilians killed. Both the U.S. and Israel deny direct responsibility.
Iran launches hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of drones at Israel, U.S. bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan. Strait of Hormuz closed. Oil surges to $115/barrel. Iran's son Mojtaba Khamenei named new supreme leader. Trump demands "unconditional surrender."
"No stupid rules of engagement, no nation building quagmire, no democracy building exercise, no politically correct war."
— Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, dismissing Democratic concerns about the conflictThe Questions Nobody Is Answering
Was it legal? Multiple international law experts say no. The UN Security Council never authorized the strikes. The IAEA stated Iran had not enriched uranium to the level needed for a nuclear weapon. Striking a country during active diplomatic negotiations, legal scholars note, violates the good faith principles of the UN Charter. The Trump administration did not provide evidence to Congress that Iran was planning to attack U.S. forces first.
What's the endgame? Trump has called for "unconditional surrender" and regime change. But Iran has a new supreme leader, is still firing missiles, and has not shown signs of collapse. The U.S. has no stated plan for what post-regime Iran looks like. The word "quagmire" is being used in classified briefings, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
What does it mean for you? Oil at $115/barrel means gas prices are rising fast. Every $10 increase in crude adds roughly 25 cents per gallon. Supply chains dependent on Middle East shipping are already under stress. The economic consequences are only beginning.
The Bottom Line
The United States is now in its most significant military conflict since Iraq. It was launched without a formal declaration of war, without clear congressional authorization, and — by most legal analyses — without a firm basis in international law. The stated goal is regime change in one of the most complex countries in the world.
Whether you believe the strikes were necessary or reckless, one thing is certain: the consequences will outlast the headlines. We'll be covering every development as it unfolds.
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